Texas and Trump Allies Challenge California’s Stricter Vehicle Emissions Standards
A legal showdown between California, Congressional Republicans, and the Trump administration has escalated as Texas enters the fray to challenge new vehicle emissions standards. The state of Texas has intervened in California’s attempts to implement stricter regulations than those set by the federal government, claiming that these measures would harm consumer choice and energy independence.
California, following the revocation of its federal waivers by Congress and the Trump administration, has issued an executive order directing state agencies to continue pushing its stringent emissions standards. The state asserts that these regulations are necessary to combat climate change and reduce emissions, but opponents argue they overstep federal authority and negatively impact competitiveness, consumer choice, and energy independence.
Texas, alongside pro-Trump legal groups like America First Legal (AFL), is intervening in the case to block California’s measures, claiming they infringe on states’ rights and negatively impact the national market. Meanwhile, a major pro-business group, the American Free Enterprise Chamber of Commerce (AmFree), has also taken action to intervene in the case on the side of the Trump administration, with several agricultural and trade organizations backing the move.